Pakistan plans to reduce the number of inbound international flights to 20% of current numbers. The step will curb rising COVID-19 cases, the official body overseeing the country’s pandemic response said on Saturday.
“In view of prevailing global and regional disease trends, Pakistan has decided to reduce inbound international travel from 5 May to 20th May.” The National Command Operation Center (NCOC) announced on Twitter.
Meanwhile, it was not immediately clear which routes and air carriers would be affected. Moreover, the NCOC will review the decision on May 18.
Pakistan has seen record deaths in recent days from the coronavirus. Moreover, the government will ensure stricter restrictions on movement and gathering in public for the upcoming Eid holiday. Officials are worried the country’s health care system could reach breaking point if more contagious variants of the virus begin to spread. Unfortunately, the same has happened in neighboring India.
On Saturday authorities reported 4,696 new confirmed COVID-19 cases in the past 24 hours and 146 deaths from the disease. According to the NCOC statistics, the death toll due to virus infection in the country has reached 17,957. Meanwhile, 48,740 tests were conducted in 24 hours and the positivity ratio is 9.3%.
In a series of Tweets, Asad Umar said the number of critical COVID patients has increased In Pakistan. According to him, the next fews weeks are crucial. The government has recently canceled all exams in Pakistan till June 15.
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